Fanshawe College students planning to pursue varsity sports this fall will have to be fully immunized against COVID-19 first.
Following an 18-month pause from intercollegiate competition due to the coronavirus pandemic, Fanshawe Athletics has made its stance on vaccines for its athletes clear in order to make sports practices, travel and games as safe as possible.
"As a condition of participation in the 2021-22 sports programming at Fanshawe, student athletes will be required to show proof they have received both doses of a Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccine," read a release sent out from the college on Friday.
Fanshawe added the decision will allow students to participate with their team in experiences such as travelling on buses, staying in hotels with teammates, playing away games, as well as shared access to locker rooms.
Manager of Fanshawe Athletics Nathan McFadden said he's excited to welcome students back and to be able to provide competitive activities once again.
"This vaccination requirement is an important and necessary step to facilitate a safe return to on-campus sports and provide the varsity experience to as many students as possible with the least potential disruption in competition," said McFadden.
Athletes who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons or other protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code may request an exemption. Staff will then follow up with students about the outcomes of exemption requests and the options available for them.
"We want to make the coming year as safe as possible for everyone – including our student athletes, coaches, staff and their families and classmates, as well as the teams and schools we visit," McFadden added.
While Fanshawe is encouraging everyone to get vaccinated before the school year starts, the college will not require staff and students to show proof of their vaccine status before coming to campus for classes, in-person labs or other services.
